How to Clean a Limestone Hearth
Limestone, much like other stones such as granite or marble, provides an eye-catching showcase for a hearth, but the fireplace residue may dull the otherwise stunning surface.
Cleaning a limestone hearth effectively requires the use of a high-alkaline cleaner that cuts through the dirty film that resides on the limestone's surface. Soft scrubbing tools and the right cleaning agents will bring your limestone hearth back to its original grandeur.
Things You Will Need
- Hand-held vacuum
- Old sheets or cloths
- 2 tablespoons high-alkaline cleaner
- Bucket
- 1 ounce chlorine bleach
- Cloths
- Tile and grout cleaner
- Soft-bristle brush
- Stone cleaner
Tip
Test the bleach cleaner on a hidden area of the limestone hearth to make sure the solution does not discolor the stone.
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Sweep loose dirt and debris from the limestone hearth, using a hand-held vacuum. Place old sheets or cloths around the limestone hearth.
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Mix 2 tablespoons of high-alkaline cleaner into a bucket of water. Add 1 ounce of chlorine bleach to the water. Stir the water to distribute the bleach evenly.
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Wet a cloth with the cleaning mixture and wring out the excess water. Wipe the cloth over the limestone hearth, starting at the bottom and working your way up. As dirt comes off the limestone onto the cloth, rinse it in the soapy water to remove the grime. Replace the soapy water with new water when it becomes too dark and dirty to use.
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Wet a clean cloth with water, and wipe it over the hearth to remove the soap and bleach.
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Apply a tile and grout cleaner to any stains remaining on the limestone. Allow the cleaner to remain on the limestone for 10 minutes.
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Scrub the cleaner into the stains, using a soft-bristle brush. Wipe the stains from the limestone with a wet cloth. Dry the hearth with a clean cloth.
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Spray a stone cleaner onto a clean cloth and wipe it over the limestone to restore shine to the surface.
The Drip Cap
- Limestone, much like other stones such as granite or marble, provides an eye-catching showcase for a hearth, but the fireplace residue may dull the otherwise stunning surface.
- Sweep loose dirt and debris from the limestone hearth, using a hand-held vacuum.
- Spray a stone cleaner onto a clean cloth and wipe it over the limestone to restore shine to the surface.
Check out this related video from Homesteady on Youtube.
References
Writer Bio
Constance Barker, located in the hills of southern Ohio, is the owner and writer of several financial, credit report and travel websites. She started writing in 1999 for private clients and began creating website content in 2004. She gained expertise in home improvement after she and her husband built their home themselves.
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